Tuesday, March 29, 2011

I have not come close to the amount of posts from last year. Last year, the Mariners were going to win the World Series and all of the world's problems were going to be solved. This year, who cares.

We have zero expectations for the upcoming season. If we finish at .500, which we will, that will be a joyous occasion and rioting with ensue, I am sure of it. I will say, I am excited about our starting rotation, with Felix and healthy Bedard and a young gun in Pineda. Finally (knock on wood) with Bedard healthy we may see why Bavasi gave away half the team for 3 years ago. Pineda and his 6'8" frame on the mound should be nice to see him overpower hitters. All in all, a good start to the season.

Of course, we still have no offense but the pitching will be outstanding!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

I am not a fan of this. Just when we finally get a player that the fan base can cling to besides Ichiro, there are trade rumors abound. Of course, the only team that could give us the 1 for 5 players deal being rumored are the dreaded Yankees.

Why Felix and why now? I am certain this falls under the "buy low, sell high" mentality. Buy low equals finding a gem in the Venezuelan rough. Sell high equating to providing the most hated team in the world, with one of the best pitchers. I would rather see Ichiro traded than Felix. I am more of a pitching fan, which could play a role, however his salary is too high for us to bring in any decent bats. Give us five decent prospects for Ichiro and we could be play in October within 2-3 years. Trade Felix, with no true "#1" starter behind him, and you have bound us to a season of record breaking loses and low attendance.

If we work on building a true staff around Felix, with Bedard staying healthy and Pineda coming up mid year, we could deliver solid pitching for a few years before salaries need to be revisited. If we are able to trade Ichiro for several decent prospects, we might build an offense that will not be last in the league in runs.

Right now, Ichiro has the value of bringing fans to the ballpark. I understand this is a good thing, but winning also brings in fans. If we go through yet another 100 lose season, not even Ichiro can pack the house. We will see how long these rumors last.

Monday, March 14, 2011

It has been awhile since my last post. That is about the 15th time I have started a blog with that line.

Pitchers and catchers have long since reported and we are rapidly approaching opening day. The Mariner season is starting off with zero expectations. In fact, they have barely been a topic of conversation on sports talk, at least when I have tuned in. Last year, we occupied some air time, even with March Madness. I feel a lot of people got burned by having high hopes to only lose 100 games.

Bedard is coming along nicely in camp. He is setting himself up to be a nice 1-2 punch with Felix assuming he remains healthy. Michael Pineda does appear primed for a June call up, if not then September. Regardless, he will see the majors this season. Entering a season where we are not expected to do anything takes the pressure off promoting players ahead of their timetable.

If time permits, I will make some attempt to complete my predictions for the upcoming season. Right now, I need to finalize my fantasy baseball draft strategy.